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Full-Day Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure

Full-Day Hakalau Forest Reserve Bird Watching Adventure

Overview

Hakalau means “many perches.” Named by Hawaiians long ago, it is still recognized as critical bird habitat today. Once part of a large cattle ranch, it was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established for forest birds and it’s home to some of the rarest plants and animals on earth. The Pua Akala tract we access is not open to the public and is an excellent example of successful conservation practices. Enjoy first-class comfort adventuring in our 4-wheel drive Short Wheel Base Mercedes Sprinter along with a more intimate experience with a small group size of 10 guests. Join your interpretative naturalist expert birding guide to search for rare native plants, animals, and endemic Hawaiian birds such as the Akepa, Akiapolaau, Amakihi, Apapane, Hawaii Creeper, Iiwi, Elepaio, Omao, Io and Pueo. Riding in style with our best-in-class field guides to a restricted-access nature preserve, you’ll experience a truly unique Hawaii Island adventure.

City: Big Island of Hawaii

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $246.07

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $246.07

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Binoculars

Snacks

Lunch

Interpretative Birding Guide

Central Meeting Locations for Pick-up & Drop off

Air-conditioned vehicle

Filtered water, juices and flavored sparkling waters

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Guests on this tour should not be physically challenged or unable to hike on uneven or rocky terrain. Must be able to do short hikes of 1.5 to 4 miles.
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
We have developed an approach that introduces a new standard of cleanliness and disinfection to ensure our guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer experience. Implementing strict protocols and using the latest disinfection technology, updated continuously to current State and Federal Guidelines.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (16)

Patti W

Dec 2022

Visit to the Hakalau Forest Reserve was high on my list; to experience the results of the work done to regenerate a native Hawaiian forest. Bonus on this tour was an incredible guide whose passion and knowledge of the birds that inhabit the refuge was 5 stars.

941lynv

Sep 2022

What a great day birding in the rainforest. Our Hawaii Forest and Trail guide was extremely knowledgeable about the refuge and it’s birds. We saw both a male and female akiapola’au honey creeper, i’iwi ‘s working the blossoms, and many more endemic birds, and, an unexpected sighting of a “Happy Face Spider”. It was definitely a fun day.

somegum

Sep 2022

I was unable to schedule a private or semi-private hard-core birding tour with any of the island’s specialized birding guides, so I elected to join this group tour (there were 10 of us, none other than me was a serious birder, plus a guide), and so I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t get to see the three rare species that are the main targets in Hakalau: the creeper, ‘Akepa, and ‘Akiapola’au. I was wrong to be concerned. The areas covered are easy to be birded effectively even while in a relatively big group. We had over 6 hours in prime habitat. Garry Dean, the hilarious and personable guide, was also an excellent and highly skilled birding guide, and made sure to get me (and everyone who tried) onto the target birds while simultaneously keeping the more casual birders interested. The area is amazing, with lots of native plants, and Garry was knowledgeable about those as well, as far as I could tell. This tour turned out to be a reasonable and effective alternative to hiring a specialized guide if you find yourself unable to book one!

Response from Host

Sep 2022

Aloha! Mahalo for the kind feedback about your Hakalau experience with us. We appreciate you taking the time to provide your honest opinion of your time with us and were very glad you enjoyed your time in Hakalau with Garry! For future reference, if you are interested or coming back to Hawaii Island, we do offer a private Hakalau Adventure which we call an "Ohana Outing". Mahalo again for joining us! - Jonathan / Hawaii Forest & Trail